Obasa returns as Lagos Assembly speaker

The Lagos State House of Assembly has reinstated Mudashiru Obasa as its Speaker following the resignation of Mojisola Meranda, who stepped down from the position with immediate effect.

Obasa’s return was confirmed during Monday’s plenary session, marking the resolution of a leadership crisis that had gripped the Assembly in recent months.

His reinstatement comes after he was impeached in January over multiple allegations, including poor leadership style, high-handedness, frequent lateness to plenary sessions, abuse of office, and intimidation of colleagues. The impeachment had the backing of over 90 percent of the lawmakers.

Following his removal, Obasa dismissed the process as unconstitutional, insisting that due procedures were not followed. He also refuted corruption allegations, labeling claims of financial misappropriation as “impossible.”

“My status in the House? I believe strongly I am still the speaker until the right thing has been done. If you want to remove me, remove me the proper way and I will not contest it,” Obasa had said in reaction to his impeachment.

In an effort to resolve the crisis, key All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, including former governors Bisi Akande (Osun), Segun Osoba (Ogun), and Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos), intervened at the directive of President Bola Tinubu. Their mediation led to a **reconciliation meeting with the lawmakers.

Following the deliberations, Meranda and other top principal officers of the Assembly resigned their positions paving the way for Obasa’s reinstatement.

“This is a notice of resignation as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly,” Meranda announced during the plenary session before stepping down.

READ ALSO: Meranda resigns as Lagos Assembly speaker

Shortly after, Obasa was formally reinstated as Speaker, expressing gratitude to his colleagues and emphasizing the need for unity.

“We want to assure Lagosians that we have resolved and determined to serve their interest and protect their interest always.

“Our major responsibility is to represent them and that’s what we have been doing.

“What is happening here today shows that the Lagos State House of Assembly is capable and is a House of integrity. It is a house that has an internal mechanism to resolve issues in the interest of the institution and our party.

“Today is not the day for speech-making but to celebrate my colleagues and thank them for all they have been doing. I am sure we will continue to work together in peace, love, and harmony,” he stated.

With Obasa’s return, the Lagos Assembly looks set to move past the recent upheaval and refocus on legislative duties.

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